Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena reported that Canyon Ferry Lake is holding rock-steady at 88% full, and that stability is paying massive dividends for local anglers. We are seeing incredibly consistent, high-quality fishing across the board right now. Whether you are hunting for south-end walleye, working the shallow-to-deep drops on the north end, or targeting trout beating the summer heat in the deep water, the bite is on. Here is exactly what’s working, where they are biting, and the surprising color patterns you need in your tackle box this week.
Canyon Ferry
The lake has been holding real steady at 88% full and I think that stable lake level has contributed to the consistent, great fishing we have had. The south end is fishing very well for walleye. Primarily on bottom bouncers pulled less than 1.0mph. I am hearing a lot of talk about pink being the color. Not my first pick but hey, if that’s what is catching the fish sign me up. Other colors to try would be black/gold, blue, purple and fire tiger patterns. I have also been hearing a lot of guys catching healthy sized perch fairly consistently. I don’t have any evidence to prove it but I hope that means the perch had a strong spawning season this last spring. The north end is also fishing well again. It is a casting game up there. I like using a 3/16oz or 1/4oz jig and casting shallow to work it back deep. Perch, sungill and similar darker patterns seem to be the preferred colors right now. Another surprising tactic to try is jerk baits. The bright metallic colors seem to be the best performers.
Trout are still being caught in the cooler deeper water. This hot weather will have some affect on them. Generally this will slow down the bite and drive them to deeper cooler water. Cowbells trolled slowly is a good tactic but the trout should respond to deep diving cranks as well. Rainbow, Silver or fire tiger patterns would be my top picks.
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